Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell becomes the latest major winner to confirm his departure from LIV Golf.
Northern Ireland golf star Graeme McDowell has confirmed his departure from LIV Golf, announcing on Monday that he has decided not to pursue the upcoming breakaway circuit known as LIV 2.0.
The 47-year-old former US Open winner joins a growing list of major champions walking away from the Saudi-backed golf league, following recent exits by players such as Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen, according to information published by BBC.
McDowell initially joined the lucrative LIV Golf project when it launched back in 2022, securing a career-best finish of a tie for second place in Virginia in June 2025 before making the choice to leave.
Graeme McDowell career and LIV departure
Reflecting on his time with the breakaway league, the four-time Ryder Cup player stated that he is grateful for the opportunity over the last four years and looks forward to the next chapter in his career.
Earlier this year, McDowell revealed he had held positive talks about potentially returning to the DP World Tour next season, noting that he feels lucky to have that viable playing option available.
LIV Golf bankruptcy and financial restructuring
The high-profile departures come after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew its financial backing in April, having previously pumped more than $5 billion into the controversial golf enterprise.
The funding withdrawal subsequently led the league to file for bankruptcy protection in the United States, leaving organizers scrambling to secure new capital to keep the professional golf circuit alive.
LIV 2.0 funding and future uncertainty
To move forward with the rebranded LIV 2.0, the organization has secured a possible $300 million in financing from BC Partners Credit, though only a handful of players have committed so far.
League representatives appointed former Taylor Made and Adidas executive Mark King as a senior adviser, while facing a critical deadline to sign a sufficient number of players to remain a viable league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Graeme McDowell leave LIV Golf?
Graeme McDowell decided not to pursue LIV 2.0, choosing to leave the breakaway tour after four years following financial restructuring and the withdrawal of backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
What is LIV 2.0?
LIV 2.0 is the proposed new version of the breakaway golf tour scheduled to start in 2027, which is attempting to secure funding and player sign-ups following the league's bankruptcy protection filing.
Which other golfers have left LIV Golf recently?
Major winners Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen, along with Tom McKibbin, Tyrrell Hatton, and Ian Poulter, have also recently confirmed their departures from LIV Golf.
